Allmendinger compares himself to Kyle Larson: "Sometimes jealousy and sadness"

Kaulig Racing’s AJ Allmendinger compared himself to 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson in the lead up to the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Former champion Larson took the win at Sunday's race after a challenging qualifying session. Starting the race in 14th, the driver put in a commanding drive, steadily working his way through the pack to finish first after leading 19 laps. He was followed by Alex Bowman and Bubba Wallace, who finished second and third respectively.

Larson, who has previously compared himself to Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen, is a highly accomplished driver, and Allmendinger, who finished seventh today admires him greatly. Discussing how he expected to race at the Miami track, he said the following:

“You can slide the car a little bit, or you can move around,” Allmendinger explained. "I think with this car, you don’t have to be pinned against the wall. And I always say I need to be better at that. I’m always constantly trying to work. Am I ever gonna be Kyle Larson? God, no — or even close to that. So I think this track, at least in October, whenever we raced it with this car, it’s like I can move around and make speed."

Continuing his discussion on Larson, he revealed his thoughts on what it's like watching the talented driver utilise the high side of the track, a dangerous, but fast choice on this 1.5-mile oval.

“I can watch the 5 just ripping up there, and it’s sometimes jealousy and sadness and then in awe of watching him do it.”

From dirt ovals to road courses, Larson has earned a solid reputation as one of the best drivers in NASCAR. In August of 2024, the driver told FloSports that he was a "better all-round driver" than reigning F1 champion Verstappen.

Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota

Photo by: Chris Graythen - Getty Images

“There’s no way he can get into a sprint car and win the Knoxville Nationals," said the driver. "There’s no way he can go win the Chili Bowl. There’s no way he can go win a Cup race at Bristol.

“…That’s what gives me ease and confidence that, like, I know I’m better than him. Maybe not in an open-wheel IndyCar or Formula 1 car, but that’s one discipline. I think I would beat him in everything else. You can quote that.”

The Red Bull driver was quick to respond:

"We should not have that debate because everyone is good in their own right. I wouldn't be good in dirt. Maybe if I practice... I don't know. I think at the end of the day, a good racing driver picks up things quite quickly."